Overview
Amanda Bax-Whittle reviewed FMCSA’s current enforcement priorities, hazardous-material rules, English-language proficiency requirements, non-domiciled CDLs, and continuing registration-system problems.
Her main message was that FMCSA and the trucking industry share the same goal: reducing crashes and keeping drivers and the public safe. The agency uses inspection, violation, crash, and mileage data to focus enforcement on higher-risk carriers rather than selecting companies randomly.
FMCSA’s role
FMCSA oversees commercial vehicle safety through:
- Driver qualification and licensing requirements
- Hours-of-service and medical rules
- Roadside inspections and carrier investigations
- Data-driven enforcement
- State grants and industry education
- Partnerships with trucking associations and local agencies
Bax-Whittle encouraged carriers to view FMCSA as a safety partner, not simply an enforcement agency.
Hazardous-material updates
Bax-Whittle discussed a proposed rule that could allow certain hazardous-material vehicles to proceed through railroad crossings without stopping when active gates and lights indicate that no train is approaching.
She also reviewed a waiver allowing states to permit Class A CDL holders to transport up to 1,000 gallons of qualifying aviation fuel for seasonal agricultural aircraft operations without the usual hazmat endorsement requirements.
FMCSA also removed outdated language involving liquid-burning flares while retaining emergency-warning equipment requirements.
English-language proficiency
English-language proficiency is a major enforcement priority.
Interstate commercial drivers must be able to:
- Read and understand road signs
- Communicate with enforcement officials
- Answer questions about their trip and cargo
- Complete required documents and records
Since June 25, 2025, drivers who fail the roadside assessment may be placed out of service.
The assessment uses varied questions and road-sign images so drivers cannot simply memorize a standard set of answers.
Repeat violations may affect the carrier
Bax-Whittle said some drivers have received the same English-language violation repeatedly and continued driving after being placed out of service.
When FMCSA investigates a carrier with drivers who have received these violations, investigators may require those drivers to participate in an interview or proficiency assessment.
Carriers should address the issue immediately rather than allowing repeated violations to accumulate.
CDL testing varies by state
Missouri and Iowa administer CDL testing in English, while some other states offer tests in multiple languages.
FMCSA is considering additional rulemaking, but states remain responsible for administering licensing programs. Federal influence primarily comes through grant requirements.
Non-domiciled CDL changes
New non-domiciled CDL rules took effect March 16, 2026, following FMCSA findings that many credentials had been issued contrary to federal requirements.
Eligibility is generally limited to individuals in qualifying employment-based immigration categories:
- H-2A
- H-2B
- E-2
Applicants must provide an unexpired foreign passport and Form I-94 or I-94A showing an eligible status and valid admission date.
An employment-authorization document alone is no longer sufficient.
Verification and expiration requirements
State licensing agencies must verify immigration status through the SAVE system before issuing the CDL.
Non-domiciled CDLs:
- Must be issued in person
- Are valid for no more than one year
- Must expire earlier if the authorized stay ends sooner
- Require new verification for renewals, transfers, and upgrades
States must keep the supporting records for at least two years and provide them to FMCSA during program reviews.
Bax-Whittle did not provide a definitive answer on whether non-domiciled CDL holders can obtain hazmat endorsements.
FMCSA registration-system problems
Bax-Whittle acknowledged major problems following the launch of FMCSA’s modernized registration system.
Issues include:
- Missing or incorrect legacy data
- Operating-authority errors
- Insurance information problems
- Poor synchronization between systems
- Long customer-service delays
- Difficulty completing updates and corrections
FMCSA is working to stabilize the system, but significant work remains.
Local offices cannot make corrections
FMCSA division-office employees generally cannot directly change registration records in the new system. They see much of the same information available to the public.
Bax-Whittle recommended using the online chat or submitting a support ticket rather than calling, because phone waits may exceed four hours.
Carriers should save screenshots, ticket numbers, emails, and chat records showing their attempts to correct a problem.
Biennial-update relief
Bax-Whittle said FMCSA had provided temporary relief so carriers would not be placed out of service solely because registration-system problems prevented completion of a required biennial update.
She noted that she would need to confirm and locate the written guidance. Carriers should continue attempting to complete the update and document those efforts.
Practical actions for carriers
Carriers should:
- Monitor roadside inspections and SMS data
- Address English-language violations immediately
- Verify non-domiciled CDL eligibility and expiration dates
- Maintain complete licensing and qualification records
- Document all registration-system problems and correction attempts
- Use FMCSA chat or support tickets instead of relying on phone calls
- Monitor pending hazmat and railroad-crossing rule changes
- Contact an FMCSA hazmat specialist for technical questions
Main takeaway
FMCSA is placing greater emphasis on driver qualification, English-language proficiency, CDL integrity, and data-based enforcement.
Carriers should actively verify driver credentials, respond to repeated violations, preserve compliance records, and document registration issues. Bax-Whittle’s broader message was that enforcement, education, and industry cooperation are all necessary to improve commercial vehicle safety.